Live Thread: Nets @ Cavs (or, The Donovan Mitchell MVP Agenda)
2025-03-11Good evening CtB!
The Cavs welcome the Brooklyn Nets to the defrosting banks of the Cuyahoga River for a nice Kenny Atkinson revenge game special. Ty Jerome, Donovan Mitchell, and De’Andre Hunter are all out for the Cavs, which means you know what time is… CPJ, JAVONTE GREEN, AND JAYLON TYSON HIVE RISE UP!!! It’s their moment, do they capitalize? Stay tuned…
TONY KORNHEISER JOINS THE SPIDA MVP AGENDA
On today’s episode ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption, legend Tony Kornheiser said that if he were voting for MVP today, he’d vote for Donovan Mitchell. It’s an indictment on the current state of journalism that Kornheiser is the lone voice of sanity in the wilderness. Tip o’ the cap to you, Tony K!!!
Tip off is scheduled for 7:00PM Eastern time and will be broadcasted live on Fanduel Sports Network, Go Cavs!
Nate’s Notes (pardon the interruption):
The Cavs are favored by 16.5 points over the Nets tonight by the human scum that run legalized gambling in this country. That’s a big number, especially with Hunter and Mitchell being “game time decisions,” and Ty Jerome out for rest. For Brooklyn, only Cam Thomas is on the injured list.
The Nets had only won a single game before they took out the short handed Lakers last night. Yes Luka and the LeBron-less Lake Show shit the bed in classic form as they were led by the absymal Gabe Vincent with 24 points against *checks notes* Noah Clowney (19), Keon Johnson 18), and Cameron Johnson (18). Those numbers are points scored, not ages. The question is, can the Nets summon that energy again, and will the Cavs play hard before the last four minutes of the fourth?
Given they have an extra day off before a four games in six nights stretch rolling right into a West Coast road trip, I’d think the wine and gold would want to get to garbage time early tonight. We shall see if it happens. I agree, Chris. Go Cavs.
Okoro three point percentage higher than Merrill’s
WE WILL EITHER GAIN ON THE CELTICS OR OKC TONIGHT
“DITTO “ ON ALL YOUR POSTS—— WE ALL HAVE GOTTEN USE TO THE CAVS WINNING—— BUT THANKFULLY BOTH KA’s ARE LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE——- THE PLAYOFFS——WE DONT HAVE ANYMORE TO PROVE —— NOW KEEP EVERYONE RESTED / HEALTHY/ GET THE LOWER ROTATION PLAYERS SOME MINUTES———— REALLY THINK KA’s ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON LOCKING UP / WINNING EASTERN CONFERENCE—- WHEN THAT HAPPENS—- YOU WILL SEE MORE PLAYERS SIT—- GET RESTED 👍🏀
Sounds like a hideous game to watch, but playing without 3 of your top 4 off-the-dribble playmakers (I’m ranking Hunter 4th) will do that. Cavs are 5-0 when Donovan sits. And although it can be frustrating to see them start slow and have to catch up, it’s also starting to resemble what it looked like to play the peak Jordan Bulls — even if you got through the third quarter with a lead, you just knew the Jordan-led comeback was looming in the 4th. But with this team, the “Cavalanche” comes from different players each time. Opponents must feel a… Read more »
Not the best entertainment, but ultimately not that hideous for the reason you describe. At some pt defense dials it up and a cavalanche follows. Probably w an alpha dog like DG (list him first) or DM, but including significant contributions from others on this insanely deep roster.
I favor sitting guys in most or all games against sub .500 teams the rest of the way. In addition to getting some rest for the key players:
this forces guys lower in the rotation to step up, experience that will pay off if they are called on in the playoffs
this forces the players to keep playing at a high level when they have 1st place in the EC locked up
Yes, you’re right, there’s much more of a potential payoff from that than from having the Core Four + the whole playoff rotation beating up on a lottery or borderline play-in team. If they’re able to get a couple more games of separation from OKC (now up two games with 17 to play), we’ll see this a few more times.
I generally agree. Though having home court vs OKC is bery much in doubt, and sure wouid be handy if we get that far.
As far as regular seasons go, thru 64 games, it does not get much better. Best record in league, clinched PO, clinched top 6, clinched division, set franchise record for longest winnin streak (twice).
What is left? Clinch #1 seed in East. Clinch #1 seed overall. Set franchise record for wins (66).
At 65-10, the Cavs winning percentage sits at .846. Which would rank 3rd all time.
1. 2015/16 GSW. 73-9. 0.890. Lost in Finals.
2. 1995/96 Bulls. 72-10. 0.878. Won tilte.
3. 2024/25 Cavs. 55-10. 0.846.
4. 1971/72 Lakers. 69-13. 0.841. Won title.
5. 1996/97 Bulls. 69-13. 0.841. Won title.
6. 1966/67 76ers. 68-13. 0.840. Won title.
7. 1972/73 Celtics. 68-14. 0.829. Lost ECF.
8. 1985/86 Celtics. 67-15. 0.817. Won title.
9. 1991/92 Bulls. 67-15. 0.817. Won title.
10. 1999/00 Lakers. 67-15. 0.817. Won title.
7/9 won titles. The Celtics lost to NY in the ECF after Havlicek got hurt, but won in ’74 & ’76. The Dubs lost that year, but went to 5 straight finals, winning 3. 3 MJs, 2 Wilts, a Steph, a Bird, a Hondo, a Shaq/Kobe, and us.
All those squads were excellent for a while. The Bulls had 2 3 peats in 8 years. The Dubs won 3 titles while going to 5 straight. Bird’s Celtics won 3 whilest going to 5 in 7 years, and having the best record in 5 of 6. Hondo’s C’s won 2 of 3 after he got hurt. Shaq & Kobe 3 peated, & went to 4 finals in 5. The 76ers on won once, but snapped Boston’s 8 year reign and had the best record 3 years running & Wilt winning 3 MVPs. And the Wilt/West Lakers only won 1,… Read more »
Jarrett Allen: 23/13/1/0/3 and needed them all.
Josh Cornelissen of KJG has paused his campaign to give Allen away since the trade deadline — be interesting to see if he takes it up again after the season.
That stuff needs to end.
JA sporting a team high 142.6 offensive rating this year. 10.3 rebounds / game in under 29 minutes. 70% shooting. Has played every game.
Not loving Jarrett Allen is simply unethical.
Plus he neutralizes the Bucks as a playoff threat since he can handle single-covering Giannis for most of his minutes.
these “analysists” would love to have a team full of over-the-hill, over-paid, used-to-be-good, primadonna wings chucking away
Preach, brother, preach.
In part from Amico’s dribbles:
Cavs clinching Central with win. Only 2nd division title without LeBron and first since 1975-76.
Matched franchise record winning streak with 15th straight. Set to begin the season.
75-76, also known as the “Miracle of Richfield.” The franchise has come a long way since then.
And some guy named Jordan had the Bulls winning the division during the Price/Nance/Daugherty era.
The Cavs got robbed in the MOR year: two bad offensive foul calls on Nate Thurman fouled him out and handed the title to Boston.
I would love to have been at the Coliseum for one of those games! (A little before my time).
ha-ha. I still remember where I was at watching that game on TV
HARD TO BELIEVE ICE HAS ONLY SHOT 30 FOUL SHOTS FOR ENTIRE SEASON—-THOSE FOUL SHOTS AT THE END OF THE GAME WERENT EVEN CLOSE—-NEED TO MAKE THOSE COME PLAY OFF TIME
Yep. Still +7 though and gotc4th qtr minutes for a reason despite the poor 3PT/FT shooting.
I really felt for him, he couldn’t buy one but I like him hunting shots and opportunities a lot more than what Wade does when he’s off.
Getting he and Wade on track feels like the key assignment for Kenny for this last stretch. Rest of the rotation seems good except for maybe Sam and Green but I think you know what you have there.
Ice stunk and he needs to be benched, period. Sam far outplaying him this year thank God.
OK WATCHING REPLAY—- HARD ON THE EYES— THINK THE FTS GRADE WAY TOO HARSH —— THE BLOWN DUNK WAS UGLY—— THE LAYUP AND LOB WERE CONTESTED — COULD SAY HE WAS FOULED ON BOTH—— HE BRINGS THE ENERGY/ ATHLETICISM/ COURT AWARENESS OF BEING IN RIGHT POSITION FOR REBOUNDS —- 3 PT STROKE LOOKS CONSISTENTL / SMOOTH/ SOLID——— COUNT ME STILL ON HIS “ BANDWAGON “
same
Yup, he leads the team in net rating still at +21.5, just had a bad game, and zero role players had a good game save CPJ and Merrill.
FTS GRADED JAVONTAE WITH A “ F” SAID HIS MINUTES WERE TERRIBLE—-( WATCHING REPLAY ) — MAYBE I HAVE TO GET OFF MY JAVONTAE “ BANDWAGON “
Did they grade the entire team as an F?
they like to give out a lot of A’s and F’s. JG dis look bad in his few minutes, and the game was too tight to give him another chance to see if he could get going.
I don’t recall many Fs tbh.
https://x.com/nba/status/1899686795471704471?s=46
Darius Garland is shooting 58.7% from the field in clutch situations (final 5 minutes & within 5 PTS).
That’s the BEST of any player in the NBA this season with 80+ clutch PTS 🌟🌟
Cavs’ 3-point shooting since the Hunter trade:
I like the volume of Mobley’s attempts. Keep shooting.
Lol Bucks up 3 on Pacers, with 3 seconds left and foul Halliburton shooting a 3.
And the Bucks blow it 😂
Offense did not generate the usual number of open 3s — not enough drive and kick, extra passes, etc.
DG though, man, what a great show in the 4th. Just used his speed and attacked over and over.
Great challenges, too.
Survive and move on!
Jesus 24% from 3 is so horrible. Finding a way
I was so not worried I went and took a hot tub at halftime.
I was slightly worried, but was all in on sitting three.
I DO HAVE A LEGIT QUESTION——THE 6 MINUTE s JAVONTAE PLAYED SEEMED RATHER EFFICIENT DESERVING OF MORE PLAY ?????? ——YES / NO / DUNNO
He was ok. Missed a wide open dunk. Everyone else was so bad it was hard to tell
And it was an underside of the rim miss. Oof.
We shot 24% from 3. Anybody with two buckets looked efficient lol
Well that was an unlikely win. Insane effort from DG and the defense in the second half was rock solid.
The pistons are about to be the number 4 team in the east btw. That’s wild.
What would be an ideal 1st and 2nd round match up ?
Maybe JB can coach a bit?
I’m still of the opinion he can’t. But the playoffs will be fascinating. If he can get the pistons through round one…happy to say he has grown.
But mostly expecting him to get blown out by any opponent. Individual prep is not his strong suit.
so far. but he might be learning something. it will be interesting.
GUESS I AM GETTING UP AND WATCHING THE REPLAY………… SPEAKING OF “ GETTING UP “ ….THE “. MRS NOMAD IS WAITING 😈👺——- LATER GUYS—— GOOD JOB TONIGHT GUYS—— GO CAVS !!
Go Cavs! 15 in a row. Central Division Champs!
This one stunk: a lot of heart with the shots not falling though
gotta be able to win by whatever means
Ice: 3-10, 5 rebounds, 6 points
Sam: 2-7, 6 rebounds, 6 points
I…think I’d rather have Ice go three for ten than stop shooting.
I have said that about Mobley several times this year when he kept shooting and made a big one late. You cannot be afraid to shoot. Trust the work. Let it go.
Nice win on the challenge Kenny!
Should just be a non-call
I wonder with his challenge of they’ll call a foul on Okoro
LMFAOOOOOOOO OKORO JUST DRIBBLED OUT OF BOUNDS OK
That looked like an offensive foul
3 point game!
JUST GOING BY BOX SCORE/ POST—-WHY DOES ICE HAVE MORE MINUTES THAN JAVONTAE
He’s playing pretty well.
Clamps and the go ahead basket
and been here longer
Wow… Craig Porter Jr!
CPJ >>>>>>>>>>> OKORO
CPJ CAME TO PLAY THANK GOD
This stinks
Cold shooting
It’s single digits deficit
GUESS I CAN SLEEP IN TOMORROW ( NOT BOTHER WATCHING REPLAY)
Put the clamps on defensively and get the rebound
The curse of Jimmy Haslem:
https://www.wisn.com/article/junior-bridgeman-former-milwaukee-buck-medical-emergency/64150598
Some positive run here
LMFAOOOOOOOOOO OKORO FOR THREE HITS BACKBOARD I THINK JAYLON TYSON CAN DO THAT!!!
Get a rebound.
FUCKING WATCHING JBOZO CLASSIC LINEUP LMFAOOO
Phfewww this game is a turd sandwich.
HOW ABOUT……” MORE 🍺 BEERS PLEASE “ AT HALFTIME 🍺🤪
NOT WATCHING—- SAW THE “ GREEN “ LIGHT POST—— AGREE NATE —- I DEPLORE LOSING—-BUT NEED TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BIG PICTURE—- BUT SUPPORTIVE OF CLF —WHOEVER IS PLAYING DEFEND / REBOUND/ HUSTLE—— PLAY LIKE YOU WANT TO BE OUT THERE!!!
THATS RIGHT COACH NOMAD TIME FOR A HALF TIME SPEECH!!!! #MOREBEERPLEASE
FREE JAYLON TYSON THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM KENNY?????????????
Can’t always count on Jalen Tyson to bail you out.
(or do anything on offense)
I LOVE WATCHING OKORO AND WADE DOING CARDIO DUMBASS
1 REBOUND IN 25 MINUTES COMBINED LMFAOOOOOOOOOO
LMFAO at that travel.
OUTREBOUNDED, OUTASSISTED THINK YOU’RE ENTITLED TO A WIN….. LOSER BEHAVIOR
GIVING UP OVER 60 TO THIS LOSER TANK SQUAD???? PATHETIC
It’s an 82 game season, Chris. They can’t all be pretty.
CAVS DEFENDING LIKE A BUNCH OF BUMS
TRY REBOUNDING JACKASSES
Green finally gets a call.
Javontr3y!
Max Strus flat shotm
Lol. Allen was going to put a shot up there.
Green… RIM CHECK
Strus the only one playing hard.
Dean Wade going to a nice farm upstate after that shift
What if I told you that Summer League started in March?
MOBLEY YOU BEEN LATE TWICE ON A CLOSEOUT
MOBLEY POST WORK >>>>>>>>>
great move just didn’t finish JA
WHAT A PASS MAX STRUS!!!!!! HES STILL ON FIRE!!!!
PERFECT BALL MOVEMENT DG 3!!!!
NICE READ MOBLEY PG SEEING THE MISMATCH AND GETTING THE FOUL!
“ JUICE SQUAD “ GET JUICED UP !!!! ——YOU MIGHT BE GIVEN THE “ GREEN “ LIGHT TONIGHT!!!
LET ER RIP DG!!!!! 60 BURGER INCOMING
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOO that trophy they got on the pre-game is hilarious LMFAOOOOo
Every game moving forward is basically a trap game.
nah, the indy and NYK ones, detroit memphis…. definitely a few that I would say they’re gut check games.
dammit, you should’ve put the subheading “Pardon the Interruption” NATE!!!!!???? IT WAS SITTING RIGHT THERE!!!! LMFAOOOOOOOOOO